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The SC collegium headed by Chief Justice of India N V Ramana has approved the proposal for the elevation of openly gay advocate Saurabh Kirpal as a judge of the Delhi HC

Who is Saurabh Kirpal, first openly gay lawyer set be Delhi HC judge

A big Milestone for gay rights in India. SC Collegium picks openly gay lawyer Saurabh Kirpal for Delhi HC. Here's all you need to know about him

SC Collegium picks openly gay lawyer Saurabh Kirpal for Delhi HC

A big Milestone for gay rights in India
SC Collegium picks openly gay lawyer Saurabh Kirpal for Delhi HC
If appointed, Saurabh Kirpal will be India&rsquo;s first openly gay judge
Son of Justice BN Kirpal, the 31st Chief Justice of India
Worked with the United Nations in Geneva before returning to India
Saurabh Kirpal has been practicing law in India for 20 years
Designated Senior Advocate in 2021, all 31 HC judges voted unanimously
Kripal has also authored a book called &lsquo;Sex and the Supreme Court&rsquo;
Saurabh Kirpal's candidature was deferred at least four times since 2017
Govt reportedly objected to elevation claiming conflict of interest as his partner is European
Partner Nicolas Germain Bachmann is a foreign national and a Swiss Human Rights activist
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court collegium has approved the proposal for the elevation of openly gay advocate Saurabh Kirpal&nbsp;as a judge of the Delhi High Court

The Supreme Court collegium headed by Chief Justice of India N V Ramana has approved the proposal for the elevation of openly gay advocate Saurabh Kirpal&nbsp;as a judge of the Delhi High Court.
Saurabh Kirpal's proposed elevation to the bench was reportedly a matter of controversy due to his alleged sexual orientation. Kirpal was recommended for elevation in 2017 by the Delhi High Court collegium, then led by acting chief justice Gita Mittal.
Also watch:<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/india-takes-judicial-leap-saurav-kirpal-set-to-become-first-openly-gay-high-court-judge-1636994036314" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;India takes judicial leap, Saurabh Kirpal set to become first openly gay High Court judge</a>
<h2>Who is Saurabh&nbsp;Kirpal?</h2>
If appointed, Saurabh Kirpal will be India&rsquo;s first openly gay judge
Son of Justice BN Kirpal, the 31st Chief Justice of India
Worked with the United Nations in Geneva before returning to India
Saurabh Kirpal has been practicing law in India for 20 years
Designated Senior Advocate in 2021, all 31 HC judges voted unanimously
Kirpal has also authored a book called &lsquo;Sex and the Supreme Court&rsquo;
Saurabh Kirpal's candidature was deferred at least four times since 2017
There were reports that his candidature was deferred due to sexual orientation
Govt reportedly objected to elevation claiming conflict of interest as his partner is European
Partner Nicolas Germain Bachmann is a foreign national and a Swiss Human Rights activist
Read all the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Latest News</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Breaking News</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/elections/up-elections" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UP Elections News</a> here.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed double lane widening of roads for the Char Dham project in view of security concerns.
The top court also set up an oversight committee headed by former Justice A K Sikri to report to it directly on the project.
The oversight committee shall receive all support from the Defence Ministry, Ministry of Road Transport, Uttarakhand Government and all district magistrates.
The strategic 900-km-long Char Dham project worth Rs 12,000 crore aims to provide all-weather connectivity to four holy towns -- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath -- in Uttarakhand.
The court was hearing the Centre's plea seeking modification of the September 8, 2020 order, which had asked the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to follow the 2018 circular stipulating carriageway width of 5.5 metre on the ambitious Char Dham highway project, which goes up to the border with China.
In its application, the MoD had said it seeks modification of the order and directions that the national highways from Rishikesh to Mana, from Rishikesh to Gangotri, and from Tanakpur to Pithoragarh may be developed to two-lane configuration.

Supreme Court allows widening of Char Dham road for national security

The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed double lane widening of roads for the Char Dham project in view of security concerns.

SC allows widening of Char Dham roads for national security

The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed double lane widening of roads for the Char Dham project in view of security concerns.
The top court also set up an oversight committee headed by former Justice A K Sikri to report to it directly on the project.
The oversight committee shall receive all support from the Defence Ministry, Ministry of Road Transport, Uttarakhand Government and all district magistrates, the court said.
The strategic 900-km-long Char Dham project worth Rs 12,000 crore aims to provide all-weather connectivity to four holy towns -- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath -- in Uttarakhand.

Char Dham&nbsp;roads project:&nbsp;All-weather connectivity to four holy towns -- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath

The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed double lane widening of roads for the Char Dham project in view of security concerns.
The top court also set up an oversight committee headed by former Justice A K Sikri to report to it directly on the project.
The oversight committee shall receive all support from the Defence Ministry, Ministry of Road Transport, Uttarakhand Government and all district magistrates.
The strategic 900-km-long Char Dham project worth Rs 12,000 crore aims to provide all-weather connectivity to four holy towns -- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath -- in Uttarakhand.
The court was hearing the Centre's plea seeking modification of the September 8, 2020 order, which had asked the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to follow the 2018 circular stipulating carriageway width of 5.5 metre on the ambitious Char Dham highway project, which goes up to the border with China.
In its application, the MoD had said it seeks modification of the order and directions that the national highways from Rishikesh to Mana, from Rishikesh to Gangotri, and from Tanakpur to Pithoragarh may be developed to two-lane configuration.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/politics/ahead-of-polls-uttarakhand-govt-frees-temple-of-govt-control-1638265933271" target="_blank">Ahead of polls, Uttarakhand govt frees temple of govt control</a>

In its latest update, Unitech believed to have siphoned off huge amounts of money to various shell companies
According to ET reports, shell companies have admitted to the agency that they were appointed as directors in lieu of payment of ₹10,000 to 20,000 per month and that they were only called to sign certain documents occasionally at different locations
One of the shell companies, Brisbane Realtors Pvt Ltd, was used to hold a property in its name in village near Gurgaon, they claimed.
The Chandra brothers were arrested in April 2017 on charges of duping homebuyers in 74 projects. ED got into the picture after a Supreme Court-mandated forensic audit of Unitech conducted in 2018 revealed that part of the ₹14,000 crore invested by nearly 30,000 homebuyers in 74 Unitech housing projects was laundered to offshore shell companies.
 

52 shell companies helped Unitech promoters in money laundering case 

The Enforcement Directorate has filed a prosecution complaint against the founder of Unitech Group and others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act


Unitech money laundering; shocking details exposed

<ul>
<li>Reports: Unitech&nbsp;used 52 shell companies to launder money</li>
<li>ED investigation unearths shocking details of Unitech&nbsp;money laundering</li>
<li>Unitech&nbsp;promoters allegedly hired directors for Rs 10,000/month just to sign documents</li>
<li>ED arrested the Chandra brothers in 2017 on charges of duping homebuyers</li>
<li>ED has filed a&nbsp;prosecution complaint against the promoter of Unitech&nbsp;Group</li>
</ul>

The Enforcement Directorate has filed a prosecution complaint against the founder of Unitech Group and others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act

Over 52 shell companies were created to help&nbsp;Unitech&nbsp;to launder money as per reports. Unnamed sources privy to an Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation told ET that Unitech&nbsp;promoters controlled and managed shell companies and hired fradulent&nbsp;directors as well.&nbsp;
According to ET, the probe agency investigation has unearthed that&nbsp;directors were 'hired' for ₹10,000 to 20,000 per month and that they were only called to sign certain documents occasionally at different locations
Also watch |&nbsp;<a title="Watch It! This Rs 40 lakh Patek Philippe exclusive watch is up for grabs" href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/watch-it-this-rs-40-lakh-patek-philippe-exclusive-watch-is-up-for-grabs-1638855674499">Watch It! This Rs 40 lakh Patek Philippe exclusive watch is up for grabs</a>
The Chandra brothers were arrested in April 2017 on charges of duping homebuyers in 74 projects. ED stepped in after a Supreme Court-mandated forensic audit of Unitech conducted in 2018 revealed that part of the&nbsp;₹14,000 crore invested by nearly 30,000 homebuyers in 74 Unitech housing projects was laundered to offshore shell companies.
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a prosecution complaint against the founder of Unitech Group and others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

One day after the Supreme Court's strong worded directions on taking measures to control pollution in Delhi, the Centre on Friday said it has set up a five-member 'enforcement task force' to ensure that air pollution is brought under control. 
In an affidavit filed before the top court, the government informed that the five-member task force “will exercise powers of taking punitive and preventive measures against the non-compliant/defaulting persons/entities”.
The affidavit stated that industrial units in NCR which are not running on PNG or cleaner fuels shall be allowed to operate for only upto 8 hours a day during weekdays and remain shut during weekends.
Also, only 5 out of the 11 thermal power plants situated within 300 km of Delhi will remain operational till December 15, 202 at least. 
The Centre also said that all schools and colleges in NCR shall remain closed till further orders. Entry of trucks, except those running on CNG or electric power and carrying essential commodities, have also been banned.
Earlier, the inspections were carried out by the Central Pollution Control Board and the pollution control board of the respective state governments.
On Friday, the Supreme Court will continue hearing a plea on rising air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.

Day after Supreme Court's stern warning, Centre comes up with 'task force' to check pollution in Delhi 

An 'Enforcement Task Force' to take steps to curb the rising air pollution levels has been set up, the Centre informed the Supreme Court

Delhi Pollution: Day after Supreme Court's stern warning, Centre comes up with 'task force'

A day after the Supreme Court's strong worded directions on taking measures to control pollution in Delhi, the Centre on Friday said it has set up a five-member 'enforcement task force' to ensure that air pollution is brought under control.&nbsp;
In an affidavit filed before the top court, the government informed that the five-member task force &ldquo;will exercise powers of taking punitive and preventive measures against the non-compliant/defaulting persons/entities&rdquo;.
The affidavit stated that industrial units in NCR which are not running on PNG or cleaner fuels shall be allowed to operate for only upto 8 hours a day during weekdays and remain shut during weekends.
Also Watch:&nbsp;Delhi pollution | air quality continues to remain in severe category
Also, only 5 out of the 11 thermal power plants situated within 300 km of Delhi will remain operational till December 15, 202 at least.&nbsp;
The Centre also said that all schools and colleges in NCR shall remain closed till further orders. Entry of trucks, except those running on CNG or electric power and carrying essential commodities, has also been banned.
Earlier, the inspections were carried out by the Central Pollution Control Board and the pollution control board of the respective state governments.

Air Pollution: An 'Enforcement Task Force' to take steps to curb the rising air pollution levels has been set up, the Centre said on Friday&nbsp;

A day after the Supreme Court's strong worded directions on taking measures to control pollution in Delhi, the Centre on Friday said it has set up a five-member 'enforcement task force' to ensure that air pollution is brought under control.&nbsp;
In an affidavit filed before the top court, the government informed that the five-member task force &ldquo;will exercise powers of taking punitive and preventive measures against the non-compliant/defaulting persons/entities&rdquo;.
The affidavit stated that industrial units in NCR which are not running on PNG or cleaner fuels shall be allowed to operate for only upto 8 hours a day during weekdays and remain shut during weekends.
<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/local/delhi-pollution-air-quality-continues-to-remain-in-severe-category-1636258943927" target="_blank">Also Watch:&nbsp;Delhi pollution | air quality continues to remain in severe category</a>
Also, only 5 out of the 11 thermal power plants situated within 300 km of Delhi will remain operational till December 15, 202 at least.&nbsp;
The Centre also said that all schools and colleges in NCR shall remain closed till further orders. Entry of trucks, except those running on CNG or electric power and carrying essential commodities, has also been banned.
Earlier, the inspections were carried out by the Central Pollution Control Board and the pollution control board of the respective state governments.

The Delhi government has closed schools again from Friday due to air pollution levels in the Capital. 
The Supreme Court on Thursday hauled the Arvind Kejriwal government on coals over Delhi's air pollution.
The top court expressed dissatisfaction with the government measures to tackle air pollution.
"We feel that nothing is happening and pollution keeps increasing... only time being wasted," Chief Justice NV Ramana snapped at the Delhi government.
Slamming Delhi govt's decision to reopen schools, the top court said that "three-year-olds and four-year-olds are going to schools but adults are working from home".
The court sought clarity from the Kejriwal govt on what it is doing on schools and offices.
The court also came down hard on the Delhi government over its 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign to curb vehicular pollution, saying it was nothing but a popular slogan.
"Poor young boys standing in the middle of the road with banners, who is taking care of their health?" an angry court asked.
In response, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Delhi govt, said the "boys" were civil volunteers.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had initiated the 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign from October 21 to November 15, saying that even if 10 lakh vehicles in the city joined the campaign, the PM10 levels would fall by 1.5 tonnes and PM2.5 by 0.4 tonnes in a year.
Under the initiative, government officials from the transport department, volunteers and traffic police urge commuters to switch off their vehicles while waiting for the traffic light to turn green.

Air Pollution: Delhi schools closed again after SC raps Arvind Kejriwal government 

Air Pollution: Delhi govt closes schools again after Supreme court rap

Delhi schools closed again from tomorrow due to pollution

The Delhi government has closed schools again from Friday due to air pollution levels in the Capital.&nbsp; The Supreme Court on Thursday hauled the Arvind Kejriwal government on coals over Delhi's air pollution.
The top court expressed dissatisfaction with the government measures to tackle air pollution.
Chief Justice NV Ramana snapped at the Delhi government saying that they feel nothing is happening and pollution keeps increasing... only time being wasted.&nbsp;
Slamming Delhi govt's decision to reopen schools, the top court said:
((QUOTE GFX))
"three-year-olds and four-year-olds are going to schools but adults are working from home".
((QUOTE GFX&nbsp;OUT))
The court sought clarity from the Kejriwal govt on what it is doing on schools and offices.
The court also came down hard on the Delhi government over its 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign to curb vehicular pollution, saying it was nothing but a popular slogan.
((QUOTE GFX))
"Poor young boys standing in the middle of the road with banners, who is taking care of their health?" an angry court asked.
&nbsp;

Delhi air pollution:&nbsp;The Supreme court expressed dissatisfaction with the Delhi government measures to tackle pollution

The Delhi government has closed schools again from Friday due to air pollution levels in the Capital.&nbsp;
The Supreme Court on Thursday hauled the Arvind Kejriwal government on coals over Delhi's air pollution.
The top court expressed dissatisfaction with the government measures to tackle air pollution.
"We feel that nothing is happening and pollution keeps increasing... only time being wasted," Chief Justice NV Ramana snapped at the Delhi government.
Slamming Delhi govt's decision to reopen schools, the top court said that "three-year-olds and four-year-olds are going to schools but adults are working from home".
The court sought clarity from the Kejriwal govt on what it is doing on schools and offices.
The court also came down hard on the Delhi government over its 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign to curb vehicular pollution, saying it was nothing but a popular slogan.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/delhi-pollution-look-at-signal-we-re-sending-to-world-says-supreme-court-1637741990965" target="_blank">Delhi Pollution: 'Look at signal we're sending to world', says Supreme Court</a>
"Poor young boys standing in the middle of the road with banners, who is taking care of their health?" an angry court asked.
In response, Abhishek&nbsp;Manu&nbsp;Singhvi, representing the Delhi govt,&nbsp;said the "boys" were civil volunteers.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had initiated the 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign from October 21 to November 15, saying that even if 10 lakh vehicles in the city joined the campaign, the PM10 levels would fall by 1.5 tonnes and PM2.5 by 0.4 tonnes in a year.
Under the initiative, government officials from the transport department, volunteers and traffic police urge commuters to switch off their vehicles while waiting for the traffic light to turn green.

The Supreme Court Wednesday asked the Centre not to leave high courts at state governments' mercy for funding of judicial infrastructure and to develop a centralised mechanism where money goes directly to them as per needs and requisitions.
The apex court also said that at times judiciary is unable to utilise all funds allocated to it, and commented in the lighter vein, "We can say judges are misers. They don't know how to spend..." The top court underlined further that at the time when the government is talking about ease of doing business, speedy disposal of corporate cases, settlement of disputes through arbitration and inviting foreign direct investment, it is imperative that the Centre has a centralised mechanism for development of the infrastructure and allocation of funds.
It appreciated the Centre's efforts of taking into its hand the computerisation of judiciary, as funds have not been a problem, 17,000 courts have been computerised and judicial officers have been given laptops to ensure seamless connectivity.
It said the Centre can contemplate creating an umbrella body which will look at creation of judicial infrastructure as required.
A bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud, Surya Kant and Vikram Nath batted for creation of specific cadre for tribunals and said that the Centre can contemplate creating an All India Tribunal Service for effective administration of tribunals.
The bench said: “We have found that infrastructure work gets completed fast when funds are allocated by the Centre. We appreciate the efforts of the Central government for speedy allocation of funds for creation of court infrastructure.
"We recently held a meeting of Chief Justices of different High Courts and all of them said one thing that they don't know when the funds will be allocated by the State government. So, don't leave the High Courts at the mercy of state governments for funds. You must create a centralised mechanism for development of judicial infrastructure.” The top court was deliberating upon the recommendation of Justice (retd) A K Sikri made in his report on the National Court Management System.
The bench said: “You see, we have inherited our judicial infrastructure from the British. Till the 1970s and 80’s the approach was to increase the strength of the judiciary by creating new vacancies and filling them.
"Now after that period, the approach of the judiciary and government has also changed. Now, at the time when the government is talking about ease of business, speedy disposal of corporate cases, settlement of disputes through arbitration and mediation and inviting foreign direct investment, it also understands the need for creation of additional infrastructure.” It asked Additional Solicitor General K M Nataraj to seek instruction on creation of an umbrella body like National Judicial Infrastructure Corporation, a sub-committee at the national and state levels and a central mechanism for allocation of funds for creation of infrastructure.
“We cannot wait for the Chief Justices' benches to take up the matter of creation of judicial infrastructure. Several Chief Justices' benches have passed certain directions in the past. Some Chief Justices have longer tenure and some have shorter tenure. It is very difficult to pursue the matter,” the bench said.
It accepted that the problem is also at the end of the judiciary as even if the funds are allocated, they remain unutilised, as the judges are unable to spend it.
“In that sense, we can say judges are misers. They don’t know how to spend it. Judges are not supposed to do these things and they have other work to do. They are reluctant to get into all this. They will have to issue a tender and then oversee completion of work on time”, it said.
Nataraj said that courts can seek information from the high courts as to how many vacancies are not filled for want of adequate infrastructure.
The bench said, “Is this your case, that the judiciary is not filling vacancies because there is no adequate infrastructure. You cannot say that the judiciary should first fill the vacancies and then you will create judicial infrastructure”.
It said that a problem in tribunals is that there are no specific cadres and besides judicial members, people from various departments are made non-judicial members.
“In consumer tribunal, besides judicial members, people from other fields and departments are made members. The presiding officer does not have disciplinary control over them. All it can do is to recommend repatriating the member to the parent department. Hence, there is a need for creation of specific cadres under the All India Tribunal Service, which will cater to the needs of various tribunals. Like it is in the UK Her Majesty’s Tribunals Service”, it said.
The bench said that every time a central legislation is passed there is a creation of special courts and the burden of cases on judiciary is increased.
“You see, like for NDPS, PMLA and commercial matters, special courts are created. But where are the judges. Every time a central legislation is passed it increases the burden on the judiciary. For commercial courts, no specialised training is imparted to the judges. You should have a centralised training institute, where judges are trained on the subject”, it said.
Senior advocate Vibha Datta Makhija, who has been appointed amicus curiae in the matter, said that creation of a sub-committee at the national and state levels under the umbrella body will help in expeditious creation of infrastructure.

SC to Modi govt: don't leave high courts at state govts' mercy for infrastructure funds

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre not to leave high courts at state governments' mercy for funding of judicial infrastructure. A bench also asked the Narendra&nbsp;Modi&nbsp;government to develop a centralised mechanism where money goes directly to high courts as per needs and requisitions.
The apex court also said that at times judiciary is unable to utilise all funds allocated to it, and commented in the lighter vein, "We can say judges are misers. They don't know how to spend... It appreciated the Centre's efforts of taking into its hand the computerisation of judiciary. 17,000 courts have been computerised and judicial officers have been given laptops to ensure seamless connectivity.
It said the Centre can contemplate creating an umbrella body which will look at creation of judicial infrastructure as required.
A bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud, Surya Kant and Vikram Nath batted for creation of specific cadre for tribunals and said that the Centre can contemplate creating an All India Tribunal Service for effective administration of tribunals.

A bench also asked the Narendra&nbsp;Modi&nbsp;government to develop a centralised mechanism where money goes directly to high courts as per needs and requisitions.

The Supreme Court Wednesday asked the Centre not to leave high courts at state governments' mercy for funding of judicial infrastructure and to develop a centralised mechanism where money goes directly to them as per needs and requisitions.
The apex court also said that at times judiciary is unable to utilise all funds allocated to it, and commented in the lighter vein, "We can say judges are misers. They don't know how to spend..." The top court underlined further that at the time when the government is talking about ease of doing business, speedy disposal of corporate cases, settlement of disputes through arbitration and inviting foreign direct investment, it is imperative that the Centre has a centralised mechanism for development of the infrastructure and allocation of funds.
It appreciated the Centre's efforts of taking into its hand the computerisation of judiciary, as funds have not been a problem, 17,000 courts have been computerised and judicial officers have been given laptops to ensure seamless connectivity.
It said the Centre can contemplate creating an umbrella body which will look at creation of judicial infrastructure as required.
A bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud, Surya Kant and Vikram Nath batted for creation of specific cadre for tribunals and said that the Centre can contemplate creating an All India Tribunal Service for effective administration of tribunals.
The bench said: &ldquo;We have found that infrastructure work gets completed fast when funds are allocated by the Centre. We appreciate the efforts of the Central government for speedy allocation of funds for creation of court infrastructure.
"We recently held a meeting of Chief Justices of different High Courts and all of them said one thing that they don't know when the funds will be allocated by the State government. So, don't leave the High Courts at the mercy of state governments for funds. You must create a centralised mechanism for development of judicial infrastructure.&rdquo; The top court was deliberating upon the recommendation of Justice (retd) A K Sikri made in his report on the National Court Management System.
The bench said: &ldquo;You see, we have inherited our judicial infrastructure from the British. Till the 1970s and 80&rsquo;s the approach was to increase the strength of the judiciary by creating new vacancies and filling them.
"Now after that period, the approach of the judiciary and government has also changed. Now, at the time when the government is talking about ease of business, speedy disposal of corporate cases, settlement of disputes through arbitration and mediation and inviting foreign direct investment, it also understands the need for creation of additional infrastructure.&rdquo; It asked Additional Solicitor General K M Nataraj to seek instruction on creation of an umbrella body like National Judicial Infrastructure Corporation, a sub-committee at the national and state levels and a central mechanism for allocation of funds for creation of infrastructure.
&ldquo;We cannot wait for the Chief Justices' benches to take up the matter of creation of judicial infrastructure. Several Chief Justices' benches have passed certain directions in the past. Some Chief Justices have longer tenure and some have shorter tenure. It is very difficult to pursue the matter,&rdquo; the bench said.
It accepted that the problem is also at the end of the judiciary as even if the funds are allocated, they remain unutilised, as the judges are unable to spend it.
&ldquo;In that sense, we can say judges are misers. They don&rsquo;t know how to spend it. Judges are not supposed to do these things and they have other work to do. They are reluctant to get into all this. They will have to issue a tender and then oversee completion of work on time&rdquo;, it said. ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/supreme-court-judge-justice-chandrachud-on-dabur-row-ad-pulled-down-on-ground-of-public-intolerance-1635767510063">Supreme Court Judge Justice Chandrachud on Dabur row: ad pulled down on ground of public intolerance</a>
Nataraj said that courts can seek information from the high courts as to how many vacancies are not filled for want of adequate infrastructure.
The bench said, &ldquo;Is this your case, that the judiciary is not filling vacancies because there is no adequate infrastructure. You cannot say that the judiciary should first fill the vacancies and then you will create judicial infrastructure&rdquo;.
It said that a problem in tribunals is that there are no specific cadres and besides judicial members, people from various departments are made non-judicial members.
&ldquo;In consumer tribunal, besides judicial members, people from other fields and departments are made members. The presiding officer does not have disciplinary control over them. All it can do is to recommend repatriating the member to the parent department. Hence, there is a need for creation of specific cadres under the All India Tribunal Service, which will cater to the needs of various tribunals. Like it is in the UK Her Majesty&rsquo;s Tribunals Service&rdquo;, it said.
The bench said that every time a central legislation is passed there is a creation of special courts and the burden of cases on judiciary is increased.
&ldquo;You see, like for NDPS, PMLA and commercial matters, special courts are created. But where are the judges. Every time a central legislation is passed it increases the burden on the judiciary. For commercial courts, no specialised training is imparted to the judges. You should have a centralised training institute, where judges are trained on the subject&rdquo;, it said.
Senior advocate Vibha Datta Makhija, who has been appointed amicus curiae in the matter, said that creation of a sub-committee at the national and state levels under the umbrella body will help in expeditious creation of infrastructure.

Even as Tripura is voting for civic body polls amid a BJP and Trinamool Congress slugfest, the Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Centre to rush additional central forces to the state.
The court said that two additional companies of central forces should be deployed immediately amid opposition claims of harassment and intimidation of voters by the BJP.
The Trinamool Congress shared a video showing a man apparently to press the EVM button while a woman was in the booth to vote. The party has alleged rigging by the BJP workers.
The opposition Trinamool Congress and CPM in the state told the Supreme Court that since the polling started on Thursday morning, their candidates and supporters were allegedly not allowed to cast their votes.
The Supreme Court, while ordering more central forces to Tripura, added that the personnel will remain deployed in securing the ballot boxes till counting of votes.
Polling began on Thursday morning at 770 booths of Tripura civic polls and the counting of votes will be held on November 28.

Supreme Court orders more forces for Tripura as TMC alleges rigging in civic polls

Supreme Court orders more central forces for Tripura as TMC alleges rigging in civic polls

SC directs Centre to rush more central forces to Tripura

SC directs Centre to rush more central forces to Tripura
TMC shares video claiming rigging during Tripura&nbsp;civic polls
Trinamool, CPM&nbsp;allege harassment, intimidation by BJP&nbsp;workers
SC: Central forces to stay in Tripura&nbsp;till the counting of votes

Tripura: SC has ordered that two additional companies of central forces should be deployed immediately amid opposition claims of harassment and intimidation of voters by the BJP

Even as Tripura is voting for civic body polls amid a BJP and Trinamool Congress slugfest, the Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Centre to rush additional central forces to the state.
The court said that two additional companies of central forces should be deployed immediately amid opposition claims of harassment and intimidation of voters by the BJP.
The Trinamool Congress shared a video showing a man apparently to press the EVM button while a woman was in the booth to vote. The party has alleged rigging by the BJP workers.
The opposition Trinamool Congress and CPM in the state told the Supreme Court that since the polling started on Thursday&nbsp;morning, their candidates and supporters were allegedly not allowed to cast their votes.
The Supreme Court, while ordering more central forces to Tripura, added that the personnel will remain deployed in securing the ballot boxes till counting of votes.
Polling began on Thursday morning at 770 booths of Tripura civic polls and the counting of votes will be held on November 28.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday continued to&nbsp;whiplash central and Delhi governments on the issue of alarming pollution levels in the Capital.
An angry top court said it won't close the case "even if the pollution goes down now".
"This is the national capital. Look at the signal we are sending to the world," the top court told the government.
CJI NV Ramana told the Solicitor General: "Even though the pollution has come down, we are not going to close this matter. We are going to continue to give directions. Almost every day or every second day, we have to hear this. The AQI is 381 at present. Your figure of 290 may not be correct. I don&rsquo;t think there is any substantial change. There may be a little less pollution, but it&rsquo;s going to get serious again. Take [mitigation] measures for another 2-3 days."
On the petitioner's point that farmers are not being fined in Punjab for crop burning due to the upcoming state polls, the court said it is not concerned about elections.
"We can&rsquo;t micromanage what each state is doing. You said the situation will improve. Please tell us what steps you have taken," Supreme Court asked the Centre.
After a brief respite, owing to strong winds, the air quality in Delhi had improved marginally on Monday. However, on Wednesday the AQI dropped to the very 'poor category' again. The Supreme Court is hearing the PIL on the Delhi air pollution crisis.

Delhi Pollution: 'Look at signal we're sending to world', says Supreme Court

"This is the capital. Look at the signal we are sending to world": Supreme Court hauls govt over coals on Delhi pollution

Supreme Court hauls govt over coals on Delhi pollution

The Supreme Court on Wednesday continued to&nbsp;whiplash central and Delhi governments on the issue of alarming pollution levels in the Capital.
An angry top court said it won't close the case "even if the pollution goes down now".
"This is the national capital. Look at the signal we are sending to the world," the top court told the government.
On the petitioner's point that farmers are not being fined in Punjab for crop burning due to the upcoming state polls, the court said it is not concerned about elections.
"We can&rsquo;t micromanage what each state is doing. You said the situation will improve. Please tell us what steps you have taken," Supreme Court asked the Centre.
After a brief respite, owing to strong winds, the air quality in Delhi had improved marginally on Monday. However, on Wednesday the AQI dropped to the very 'poor category' again. The Supreme Court is hearing the PIL on the Delhi air pollution crisis.

Delhi Air Pollution:&nbsp;An angry Supreme Court said it won't close the case "even if the pollution goes down now"

The Supreme Court on Wednesday continued to&nbsp;whiplash central and Delhi governments on the issue of alarming pollution levels in the Capital.
An angry top court said it won't close the case "even if the pollution goes down now".
"This is the national capital. Look at the signal we are sending to the world," the top court told the government.
CJI NV Ramana told the Solicitor General: "Even though the pollution has come down, we are not going to close this matter. We are going to continue to give directions. Almost every day or every second day, we have to hear this. The AQI is 381 at present. Your figure of 290 may not be correct. I don&rsquo;t think there is any substantial change. There may be a little less pollution, but it&rsquo;s going to get serious again. Take [mitigation] measures for another 2-3 days."
On the petitioner's point that farmers are not being fined in Punjab for crop burning due to the upcoming state polls, the court said it is not concerned about elections.
"We can&rsquo;t micromanage what each state is doing. You said the situation will improve. Please tell us what steps you have taken," Supreme Court asked the Centre.
After a brief respite, owing to strong winds, the air quality in Delhi had improved marginally on Monday. However, on Wednesday the AQI dropped to the very 'poor category' again. The Supreme Court is hearing the PIL on the Delhi air pollution crisis.

Ahead of the civic body polls in Tripura, the Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Biplab Deb government to make a detailed statement on steps being taken to ensure security during the polls.
The apex court’s order came in response to a contempt plea by the Trinamool Congress that claimed that the law-and-order situation in Tripura is 'worsening' by the day ahead of civic body elections in the north-eastern state.
The case was being heard by a bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud.
As the hearing began, TMC counsel showed various pictures to the court and spoke about several incidents of violence that have taken place in Tripura.
TMC’s counsel said that the pictures clearly depict that while violence is taking place, the police is standing and doing nothing.
The Supreme Court, according to Bar and Bench, asked the BJP government to take detailed instructions from the police and home secretary on exactly what arrangements are being made at the polling booths and safety measures for polling day right up till the declaration of results.

On TMC plea, Supreme Court asks Tripura govt: what are you doing to ensure free and fair polls

Ahead of the civic body polls in Tripura, the Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Biplab Deb government to make a detailed statement on steps being taken to ensure security during the polls.
The apex court&rsquo;s order came in response to a contempt plea by the Trinamool Congress that claimed that the law-and-order situation in Tripura is 'worsening' by the day ahead of civic body elections in the north-eastern state.
The case was being heard by a bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud.
As the hearing began, TMC counsel showed various pictures to the court and spoke about several incidents of violence that have taken place in Tripura.
TMC&rsquo;s counsel said that the pictures clearly depict that while violence is taking place, the police is standing and doing nothing.
The Supreme Court, according to Bar and Bench, asked the BJP government to take detailed instructions from the police and home secretary on exactly what arrangements are being made at the polling booths and safety measures for polling day right up till the declaration of results.

The apex court&rsquo;s order came in response to a contempt plea by the Trinamool Congress that claimed that the law-and-order situation in Tripura is 'worsening' by the day&nbsp;

Ahead of the civic body polls in Tripura, the Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Biplab Deb government to make a detailed statement on steps being taken to ensure security during the polls.
The apex court&rsquo;s order came in response to a contempt plea by the Trinamool Congress that claimed that the law-and-order situation in Tripura is 'worsening' by the day ahead of civic body elections in the north-eastern state.
The case was being heard by a bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud.
As the hearing began, TMC counsel showed various pictures to the court and spoke about several incidents of violence that have taken place in Tripura.
TMC&rsquo;s counsel said that the pictures clearly depict that while violence is taking place, the police is standing and doing nothing.
The Supreme Court, according to Bar and Bench, asked the BJP government to take detailed instructions from the police and home secretary on exactly what arrangements are being made at the polling booths and safety measures for polling day right up till the declaration of results.
ALSO WATCH: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/tripura-violence-amit-shah-meets-delegation-of-tmc-mps-in-delhi-1637592648453">Tripura</a><a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/tripura-violence-amit-shah-meets-delegation-of-tmc-mps-in-delhi-1637592648453"> violence: Amit Shah meets delegation of TMC MPs in Delhi</a>

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea challenging the change in land use of a plot where the new official residence of the vice president will come up as part of the ambitious Central Vista project in Lutyens' Delhi.
The court said that sufficient explanation has been offered by authorities concerned which justify the change in land use of the plot.
The apex court was hearing a petition challenging the change in land use of plot number one from recreational area to residential.
&ldquo;We find no reason to examine the matter further and therefore put a quietus to the entire controversy by dismissing this petition,&rdquo; the bench, also comprising Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and C T Ravikumar, said.
The Central Vista revamp, announced in September 2019 envisages a new triangular Parliament building, with a seating capacity for 900 to 1,200 MPs, that is to be constructed by August, 2022 when the country will celebrate its 75th Independence Day.
The common Central Secretariat is to be built by 2024 under the project that covers a three-km stretch from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate in the national capital.
&nbsp;

Central Vista: Supreme Court junks new plea challenging mega project

The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea challenging the change in land use of a plot where the new official residence of the vice president will come up as part of the Central Vista project 



Top court rejects fresh challenge to Central Vista project

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea challenging the change in land use of a plot where the new official residence of the vice president will come up as part of the ambitious Central Vista project in Lutyens' Delhi.
The court said that sufficient explanation has been offered by authorities concerned which justify the change in land use of the plot.
The apex court was hearing a petition challenging the change in land use of plot number one from recreational area to residential.
"Will we start asking the common man now where will the residence of the Vice President be?" the court&nbsp;asked.

Central Vista Project:&nbsp;The Supreme Court said that sufficient explanation has been offered by Centre to justify the change in land use of the plot

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea challenging the change in land use of a plot where the new official residence of the vice president will come up as part of the ambitious Central Vista project in Lutyens' Delhi.
The court said that sufficient explanation has been offered by authorities concerned which justify the change in land use of the plot.
The apex court was hearing a petition challenging the change in land use of plot number one from recreational area to residential.
&ldquo;We find no reason to examine the matter further and therefore put a quietus to the entire controversy by dismissing this petition,&rdquo; the bench, also comprising Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and C T Ravikumar, said.
The Central Vista revamp, announced in September 2019 envisages a new triangular Parliament building, with a seating capacity for 900 to 1,200 MPs, that is to be constructed by August, 2022 when the country will celebrate its 75th Independence Day.
The common Central Secretariat is to be built by 2024 under the project that covers a three-km stretch from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate in the national capital.
&nbsp;

Asking IIT, Bombay to adopt a humanitarian approach, the Supreme Court on Monday directed the premier engineering institute to allocate within 48 hours a seat to a young Dalit boy, who missed out, as he could not deposit his fees due to the non-functioning of his credit card.
The apex court exercised its plenary powers to direct the IIT, Bombay for allocating a supernumerary seat to the young boy from Allahabad, saying it would be a travesty of justice if he is turned away from the portals of the Supreme Court.
A bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and AS Bopanna said, &ldquo;This court has before it a young Dalit student, who is on the verge of losing a valued seat which has been allocated to him at IIT, Bombay. The travails of the appellant has taken him from Allahabad, where he is currently studying to Kharagpur and Bombay and eventually to the national capital. Having regard to the facts of the case, it would be a grave travesty of justice to the young Dalit student who has to finally move this court, is turned away from its portals&hellip;&rdquo; The bench noted that if the petitioner Prince Jaibir Singh, who has secured 864 All India ranks in the SC category in the IIT entrance exam, is not admitted in this academic year, he will be ineligible to appear for further entrance examinations as he has appeared in two consecutive attempts.
&ldquo;Hence, we are of the view that this is a fit and proper case where the exercise of jurisdiction under Article 142 of the constitution is warranted at the interim stage, in the facts which have appeared before the court. We accordingly direct the first and second respondent (IIT, Bombay) to ensure that the seat which is allocated to the appellant shall be allotted to him at IIT, Bombay. This shall be done without disturbing any other students, who have already been admitted&rdquo;, the bench said.
The top court said that the creation of supernumerary seats in the facts of the present case shall be subject to the admission of Singh being regularised if any seats fall vacant as a result of exigencies, which may arise in the course of the admission process.
&ldquo;Parties shall act on the certified copy of this order and implement these directions within a period of 48 hours that is by November 24,&rdquo; the bench said.
During the hearing, the bench was informed by advocate Sonal Jain, appearing for Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JOSAA) and IIT, Bombay that there are no more seats available in any of the IITs across the country as the admission process is complete and the court can pass an order under Article 142 for allocating a seat to Singh.
The bench said, &ldquo;Look at the background of the child. He has to borrow money from his sister after his credit card malfunctioned. Don&rsquo;t be wooden like this. We can pass an order under Article 142 but that may not be favourable for IITs. You can adopt a humanitarian approach and explore the possibilities. Explain this to the chairman&rdquo;.
The top court said that many seats get vacant after students take admission in different institutes to further their career in better options and IIT should look and allocate one such seat to this student.
&ldquo;Something has to be done for this student. It is elementary common sense, which students would not like to get into IIT, Bombay and not pay Rs. 50,000 fees. It is obvious that he has some financial problems. He has to borrow money from his sister. These students study years after years for this exam. Look at their background,&rdquo; the bench said.

SC opens IIT-Bombay gates for Dalit boy who failed to pay fees in time

"Travesty of justice": Supreme Court comes to the rescue of a Dalit boy who risked losing IIT seat for not paying fees in time. Know details here

Top Court directs IIT-Bombay to create a seat for Dalit boy

A 17-year-old Dalit student who was about to lose his seat at IIT-Bombay got relief from the Supreme Court on Monday.
The judges said that it would be a "travesty of justice" if Prince Jaibeer Singh was denied admission and failed to receive help from the nation's highest court of law.
Prince, a resident of Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad, got selected for civil engineering branch at the IIT's Bombay campus on October 27. But he was unable to pay the fee of ₹ 15,000 -- the initial amount to be paid online in order to secure the seat.
Initially, he fell short of money. But when he was able to arrange for it with some help from his sister, he couldn't pay in time due to technical glitches on the website.
He moved approached Bombay High Court, which rejected his plea. Prince then moved the Supreme Court.
On Monday, the top court asked the IIT to allocate him a seat within 48 hours.
When the court was informed that there were no seats left at the IITs, it directed IIT-Bombay to create a seat for the student.
"Create a seat for this student. Ensure that this does not disturb any other already admitted student," the court said.

The judges said that it would be a "travesty of justice" if Prince Jaibeer Singh was denied admission and failed to receive help from the nation's highest court of law.

Asking IIT, Bombay to adopt a humanitarian approach, the Supreme Court on Monday directed the premier engineering institute to allocate within 48 hours a seat to a young Dalit boy, who missed out, as he could not deposit his fees due to the non-functioning of his credit card.
The apex court exercised its plenary powers to direct the IIT, Bombay for allocating a supernumerary seat to the young boy from Allahabad, saying it would be a travesty of justice if he is turned away from the portals of the Supreme Court.
A bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and AS Bopanna said, &ldquo;This court has before it a young Dalit student, who is on the verge of losing a valued seat which has been allocated to him at IIT, Bombay. The travails of the appellant has taken him from Allahabad, where he is currently studying to Kharagpur and Bombay and eventually to the national capital. Having regard to the facts of the case, it would be a grave travesty of justice to the young Dalit student who has to finally move this court, is turned away from its portals&hellip;&rdquo; The bench noted that if the petitioner Prince Jaibir Singh, who has secured 864 All India ranks in the SC category in the IIT entrance exam, is not admitted in this academic year, he will be ineligible to appear for further entrance examinations as he has appeared in two consecutive attempts.
&ldquo;Hence, we are of the view that this is a fit and proper case where the exercise of jurisdiction under Article 142 of the constitution is warranted at the interim stage, in the facts which have appeared before the court. We accordingly direct the first and second respondent (IIT, Bombay) to ensure that the seat which is allocated to the appellant shall be allotted to him at IIT, Bombay. This shall be done without disturbing any other students, who have already been admitted&rdquo;, the bench said.
The top court said that the creation of supernumerary seats in the facts of the present case shall be subject to the admission of Singh being regularised if any seats fall vacant as a result of exigencies, which may arise in the course of the admission process.
&ldquo;Parties shall act on the certified copy of this order and implement these directions within a period of 48 hours that is by November 24,&rdquo; the bench said.
During the hearing, the bench was informed by advocate Sonal Jain, appearing for Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JOSAA) and IIT, Bombay that there are no more seats available in any of the IITs across the country as the admission process is complete and the court can pass an order under Article 142 for allocating a seat to Singh.
The bench said, &ldquo;Look at the background of the child. He has to borrow money from his sister after his credit card malfunctioned. Don&rsquo;t be wooden like this. We can pass an order under Article 142 but that may not be favourable for IITs. You can adopt a humanitarian approach and explore the possibilities. Explain this to the chairman&rdquo;.
The top court said that many seats get vacant after students take admission in different institutes to further their career in better options and IIT should look and allocate one such seat to this student.
&ldquo;Something has to be done for this student. It is elementary common sense, which students would not like to get into IIT, Bombay and not pay Rs. 50,000 fees. It is obvious that he has some financial problems. He has to borrow money from his sister. These students study years after years for this exam. Look at their background,&rdquo; the bench said.

The Supreme Court Thursday asked former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh, who has sought protective orders, to disclose his location, saying "no protection, no hearing until we know where you are".
The apex court asked his lawyer to inform about Singh's whereabouts and posted the matter for hearing on November 22.
A bench headed by Justice S K Kaul took exception that his plea seeking protection has been filed through power of attorney.
"You are seeking protective orders; nobody knows where you are. Suppose you are sitting abroad and taking legal recourse through power of attorney then what happens. If that is so then you will come to India if the court rules in your favour, we don't know what you have in mind. No protection, no hearing until we know where you are," said the bench also comprising Justice M M Sundresh.
It further said: "The petition has been filed through power of attorney. Where are you. Are you in this country or outside? In some state, where are you. We will come to the remaining, first we know where you are?" A magistrate court in Bombay on Wednesday declared Singh a "proclaimed offender" in an extortion case registered against him and some other police officers in the city.
Singh had last attended his office in May this year after which he went on leave. The state police had told the Bombay High Court last month that his whereabouts were not known.
The crime branch of Mumbai Police, which is probing the extortion case, had sought the proclamation against him, saying that the IPS officer could not be traced even after the issuance of a non-bailable warrant.
Under Section 82 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, a court can publish a proclamation requiring an accused to appear if a warrant issued against him or her cannot be executed.
As per Section 83, after issuing such a proclamation the court can also order attachment of the offender's properties.
Former assistant police inspector Sachin Waze is also an accused in the case, registered at the Goregaon police station.
Besides Singh, co-accused Vinay Singh and Riyaz Bhatti were also declared proclaimed offenders by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate S B Bhajipale on Wednesday.
Bimal Agrawal, a real estate developer and hotelier, had alleged that the accused extorted Rs 9 lakh from him for not conducting raids on two bars and restaurants which he ran in partnership, and also forced him to buy two smartphones worth around Rs 2.92 lakh for them.
The incidents occurred between January 2020 and March 2021, he had claimed.
Following his complaint, a case was filed under Indian Penal Code Sections 384 and 385 (both pertaining to extortion) and 34 (common intention) against six accused.
Singh is facing an extortion case in Thane too.
The IPS officer was shunted from the post of Mumbai police commissioner in March 2021 after Waze was arrested in the case of the SUV with explosives found near industrialist Mukesh Ambani's south Mumbai residence 'Antilia' and the subsequent death of Thane businessman Mansukh Hiran.
Singh was then appointed as Director General, Home Guards, following which he accused the then Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh of corruption, a charge the latter denied.
Deshmukh later stepped down as minister and the CBI registered a case against him based on Singh's allegations.
Singh was last seen in public on April 7, when he appeared before the National Investigation Agency (NIA) here to record statements in the Antilia bomb scare case. The CBI also recorded &nbsp;his statement in the Deshmukh case.
He last attended office on May 4, following which he went on leave citing health issues, a senior official said.
Singh then sought an extension of leave claiming he had undergone a surgery. In August he requested one more extension.
On October 20, the police told the Bombay High Court that he was "not traceable", and therefore they can not continue an earlier assurance not to arrest him in a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The HC was hearing a petition filed by Singh seeking to quash the FIR in the case, registered on the complaint of harassment filed by police inspector Bhimrao Ghadge.

Supreme Court on Param Bir Singh: 'no protection, no hearing until we know where you are'

The Supreme Court Thursday asked former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh&nbsp;to disclose his location, saying "no protection, no hearing until we know where you are".
The apex court asked his lawyer to inform about Singh's whereabouts and posted the matter for hearing on November 22.
A bench headed by Justice S K Kaul took exception that his plea seeking protection has been filed through power of attorney.
Singh, who is a proclaimed offender in an extortion case,&nbsp;had last attended his office in May this year after which he went on leave. The state police had told the Bombay High Court last month that his whereabouts were not known.
&nbsp;

The apex court asked his lawyer to inform about Singh's whereabouts and posted the matter for hearing on November 22.

The Supreme Court Thursday asked former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh, who has sought protective orders, to disclose his location, saying "no protection, no hearing until we know where you are".
The apex court asked his lawyer to inform about Singh's whereabouts and posted the matter for hearing on November 22.
A bench headed by Justice S K Kaul took exception that his plea seeking protection has been filed through power of attorney.
"You are seeking protective orders; nobody knows where you are. Suppose you are sitting abroad and taking legal recourse through power of attorney then what happens. If that is so then you will come to India if the court rules in your favour, we don't know what you have in mind. No protection, no hearing until we know where you are," said the bench also comprising Justice M M Sundresh. ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/ips-officer-param-bir-singh-declared-proclaimed-offender-in-extortion-case-1637160545993">IPS officer Param Bir Singh declared 'proclaimed offender' in extortion case</a>
It further said: "The petition has been filed through power of attorney. Where are you. Are you in this country or outside? In some state, where are you. We will come to the remaining, first we know where you are?" A magistrate court in Bombay on Wednesday declared Singh a "proclaimed offender" in an extortion case registered against him and some other police officers in the city.
Singh had last attended his office in May this year after which he went on leave. The state police had told the Bombay High Court last month that his whereabouts were not known.
The crime branch of Mumbai Police, which is probing the extortion case, had sought the proclamation against him, saying that the IPS officer could not be traced even after the issuance of a non-bailable warrant.
Under Section 82 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, a court can publish a proclamation requiring an accused to appear if a warrant issued against him or her cannot be executed.
As per Section 83, after issuing such a proclamation the court can also order attachment of the offender's properties.
Former assistant police inspector Sachin Waze is also an accused in the case, registered at the Goregaon police station.
Besides Singh, co-accused Vinay Singh and Riyaz Bhatti were also declared proclaimed offenders by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate S B Bhajipale on Wednesday.
Bimal Agrawal, a real estate developer and hotelier, had alleged that the accused extorted Rs 9 lakh from him for not conducting raids on two bars and restaurants which he ran in partnership, and also forced him to buy two smartphones worth around Rs 2.92 lakh for them.
The incidents occurred between January 2020 and March 2021, he had claimed.
Following his complaint, a case was filed under Indian Penal Code Sections 384 and 385 (both pertaining to extortion) and 34 (common intention) against six accused.
Singh is facing an extortion case in Thane too.
The IPS officer was shunted from the post of Mumbai police commissioner in March 2021 after Waze was arrested in the case of the SUV with explosives found near industrialist Mukesh Ambani's south Mumbai residence 'Antilia' and the subsequent death of Thane businessman Mansukh Hiran.
Singh was then appointed as Director General, Home Guards, following which he accused the then Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh of corruption, a charge the latter denied.
Deshmukh later stepped down as minister and the CBI registered a case against him based on Singh's allegations.
Singh was last seen in public on April 7, when he appeared before the National Investigation Agency (NIA) here to record statements in the Antilia bomb scare case. The CBI also recorded &nbsp;his statement in the Deshmukh case.
He last attended office on May 4, following which he went on leave citing health issues, a senior official said.
Singh then sought an extension of leave claiming he had undergone a surgery. In August he requested one more extension.
On October 20, the police told the Bombay High Court that he was "not traceable", and therefore they can not continue an earlier assurance not to arrest him in a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The HC was hearing a petition filed by Singh seeking to quash the FIR in the case, registered on the complaint of harassment filed by police inspector Bhimrao Ghadge.

The Supreme Court on Thursday set aside the Bombay High Court judgment that held that groping a minor's breast without "skin to skin contact" can't be termed as sexual assault.
The top court, which was hearing separate appeals of Attorney General and the National Commission for women, had on January 27 stayed the order which had acquitted a man under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act saying groping a minor's breast without 'skin to skin contact' cannot be termed as sexual assault.
A bench headed by Justice U U Lalit set aside the high court judgement, and said the most important ingredient of constituting sexual assault is sexual intent and not skin-to-skin with the child.
Purpose of the law cannot be to allow the offender to escape the meshes of the law, the apex court said.
The 'skin-to-skin' judgment was passed by the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court while modifying the order of the Sessions Court which held a 39-year-old man guilty of sexual assault for groping a 12-year-old. 

Supreme Court quashes Bombay HC's 'skin-to-skin contact' judgment

SDC quashes Bombay HC judgment that held that groping a minor's breast without "skin to skin contact" can't be termed as sexual assault

SC quashes Bombay HC's 'skin-to-skin contact' judgment

SC quashes Bombay HC's 'skin-to-skin contact' judgment
Bombay HC ruled no sexual offence&nbsp;if no skin-to-skin&nbsp;contact
Sexual intent and not skin-to-skin with the child more important: SC
Attorney General and NCW&nbsp;had appealed against HC order
Purpose of law cannot be to allow offender to escape: SC on POCSO&nbsp;case
Bombay HC acquitted 39-year-old in sexual assault on minor case
&nbsp;

Sexual assault case:&nbsp;
Purpose of the law cannot be to allow the offender to escape the meshes of the law, the apex court said
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Thursday set aside the Bombay High Court judgment that held that groping a minor's breast without <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/denied-elevation-bombay-hc-judge-whose-sexual-assault-verdicts-triggered-debate-resigns-1644570425718" target="_blank">"skin to skin contact" can't be termed as sexual assault</a>.
The top court, which was hearing separate appeals of Attorney General and the National Commission for women, had on January 27 stayed the order which had acquitted a man under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act saying groping a minor's breast without 'skin to skin contact' cannot be termed as sexual assault.
A bench headed by Justice U U Lalit set aside the high court judgement, and said the most important ingredient of constituting sexual assault is sexual intent and not skin-to-skin with the child.
Purpose of the law cannot be to allow the offender to escape the meshes of the law, the apex court said.
The 'skin-to-skin' judgment was passed by the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court while modifying the order of the Sessions Court which held a 39-year-old man guilty of sexual assault for groping a 12-year-old.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday made some strong observation on alarming level of air pollution in the Capital and NCR. The top court took the governments to task over failure to check pollution and blamegame.&nbsp;
Here are the top quotes from the Supreme Court:&nbsp;&nbsp;
"Debates on TV are causing more pollution than any other sources"
"People sleeping in five star hotels in Delhi blame farmers"
"We do not want to penalise the farmers"
"We have already asked the Centre to pursue farmers to not burn stubble at least for a week"
"Why were firecrackers allowed despite ban?"
"You all say vehicle is the main cause, but gas guzzlers, hi-fi cars run on Delhi roads"
"There has to be some responsibility, not everything can be done through judicial order"

Delhi Air Pollution: Top quotes from Supreme Court on farmers, TV debates and guzzlers 

The Supreme Court on Wednesday made some strong observation on alarming level of air pollution in the Capital and NCR. Here are the top quotes

Top quotes from Supreme Court as it slams govts on air pollution issue

The Supreme Court on Wednesday made some strong observation on alarming level of air pollution in the Capital and NCR. The top court took the governments to task over failure to check pollution and blamegame.&nbsp;
QUOTE GFX
Here are the top quotes from the Supreme Court:&nbsp;&nbsp;
"Debates on TV are causing more pollution than any other sources"
"People sleeping in five star hotels in Delhi blame farmers"
"We do not want to penalise the farmers"
"We have already asked the Centre to pursue farmers to not burn stubble at least for a week"
"Why were firecrackers allowed despite ban?"
"You all say vehicle is the main cause, but gas guzzlers, hi-fi cars run on Delhi roads"
"There has to be some responsibility, not everything can be done through judicial order"
"Bureaucracy has gone into inertia and they don't want to do anything"

Delhi Air Pollution: The Supreme Court took the governments to task over failure to check pollution and blamegame&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Wednesday made some strong observation on alarming level of air pollution in the Capital and NCR. The top court took the governments to task over failure to check pollution and blamegame.&nbsp;
Here are the top quotes from the Supreme Court:&nbsp;&nbsp;
"Debates on TV are causing more pollution than any other sources"
"People sleeping in five star hotels in Delhi blame farmers"
"We do not want to penalise the farmers"
"We have already asked the Centre to pursue farmers to not burn stubble at least for a week"
"Why were firecrackers allowed despite ban?"
"You all say vehicle is the main cause, but gas guzzlers, hi-fi cars run on Delhi roads"
"There has to be some responsibility, not everything can be done through judicial order"
"Bureaucracy has gone into inertia and they don't want to do anything"

The Supreme Court on Wednesday appointed former judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain, to monitor the probe into the Lakhimpur farmers' killings.
Uttar Pradesh SIT is probing the Lakhimpur Kheri violence in which eight people including four farmers were killed on October 3 and Justice Jain will monitor the probe on day-to-day basis.
The court said that the monitoring will "ensure impartiality and independence of the investigation".
The top court said it would hear the case again after the SIT concludes its probe and files the status report and the charge sheet in the case.
A bench comprising Chief Justice N V Ramana and Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli also took note of the names of the IPS officers provided by the state government, and appointed three officials as part of the state SIT.
The Uttar Pradesh government on November 15 had agreed to the apex court's suggestion that a former judge of its choice may be appointed to supervise the state SIT's probe.

Lakhimpur killings: SC appoints former judge to monitor daily probe

Former judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain, to monitor Lakhimpur farmers' killings probe, says SC

Former Punjab and Haryana HC judge to monitor Lakhimpur probe

The Supreme Court on Wednesday appointed former judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain, to monitor the probe into the Lakhimpur farmers' killings.
Uttar Pradesh SIT is probing the Lakhimpur Kheri violence in which eight people including four farmers were killed on October 3 and Justice Jain will monitor the probe on day-to-day basis.
The court said that the monitoring will "ensure impartiality and independence of the investigation".
The top court said it would hear the case again after the SIT concludes its probe and files the status report and the charge sheet in the case.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday appointed former judge of the Punjab and Haryana HC, Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain, to monitor the Lakhimpur farmers' killings&nbsp;probe&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Wednesday appointed former judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain, to monitor the probe into the Lakhimpur farmers' killings.
Uttar Pradesh SIT is probing the Lakhimpur Kheri violence in which eight people including four farmers were killed on October 3 and Justice Jain will monitor the probe on day-to-day basis.
The court said that the monitoring will "ensure impartiality and independence of the investigation".
The top court said it would hear the case again after the SIT concludes its probe and files the status report and the charge sheet in the case.
A bench comprising Chief Justice N V Ramana and Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli also took note of the names of the IPS officers provided by the state government, and appointed three officials as part of the state SIT.
The Uttar Pradesh government on November 15 had agreed to the apex court's suggestion that a former judge of its choice may be appointed to supervise the state SIT's probe.

The central government on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that it is not in favour of work for home for its employees due to air pollution crisis.
The Centre filed an affidavit in the top court ahead of the hearing on air pollution emergency in the Capital region.
The Commission for Air Quality Management late on Tuesday night directed the governments of NCR states to allow work from home for 50% of their employees and suggested the same for private offices.
The central government, however, told the court that work from home will "not be of much benefit and effect".
In its affidavit, the government said,"... In the recent past, several governmental functions were impacted due to Covid-19 pandemic for substantially a long period of time which entailed pan India ramifications."
The centre, however, said it has "issued an advisory to its employees on carpooling".
In the last hearing, the Supreme Court had asked the Central and state governments to consider work from home for their employees for a week.
Delhi and neighbouring areas have been blanketed under toxic smog since Diwali. The Capital's air remained in&nbsp;"very poor"category on Wednesday with the AQI level of 379.
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Air Pollution: Centre tells Supreme Court it's not in favour of work from home

Air Pollution: The central government has told Supreme Court that it is not in favour of work for home for its employees

Pollution: Centre says it can't allow work from home for its staff

Centre says it can't allow work from home for its staff
Pollution panel directed work from home for 50% govt staff
Centre's affidavit in top court ahead of hearing on pollution
Centre says it has advised&nbsp;employees on carpooling
SC had also asked central and state govts to consider work from home

Air Pollution: Central govt, in its affidavit in Supreme Court, has stated that work from home will "not be of much benefit and effect"

The central government on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that it is not in favour of work for home for its employees due to air pollution crisis.
The Centre filed an affidavit in the top court ahead of the hearing on air pollution emergency in the Capital region.
The Commission for Air Quality Management late on Tuesday night directed the governments of NCR states to allow work from home for 50% of their employees and suggested the same for private offices.
The central government, however, told the court that work from home will "not be of much benefit and effect".
In its affidavit, the government said,"... In the recent past, several governmental functions were impacted due to Covid-19 pandemic for substantially a long period of time which entailed pan India ramifications."
The centre, however, said it has "issued an advisory to its employees on carpooling".
In the last hearing, the Supreme Court had asked the Central and state governments to consider work from home for their employees for a week.
Delhi and neighbouring areas have been blanketed under toxic smog since Diwali. The Capital's air remained in&nbsp;"very poor"category on Wednesday with the AQI level of 379.
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In the first instance of the elevation of an openly homosexual member of the judiciary to the bench, the Supreme Court has recommended the elevation&nbsp;of senior advocate Saurabh Kirpal as a judge of the Delhi High Court.
His name was first recommended by Delhi HC in 2017 but the SC collegium&nbsp;had deferred the decision thrice. The Centre too had objected to his appointment. According to a report by Print, the Centre told Chief Justice NV Ramana in April this year that they have apprehensions over Kirpal&rsquo;s appointment as his partner is a foreign national.
If appointed, Kirpal would be India&rsquo;s first openly gay judge.

India takes judicial leap, Saurabh Kirpal set to become first openly gay High Court judge

SC collegium&nbsp;recommends advocate&nbsp;Saurabh&nbsp;Kirpal's&nbsp;name&nbsp;as Delhi HC judge
If appointed, Kirpal would be India&rsquo;s first openly gay judge
 SC deferred decision on Kirpal's recommendation thrice

His name was first recommended by Delhi HC in 2017 but the SC collegium&nbsp;had deferred the decision thrice.vvv

In the first instance of the elevation of an openly homosexual member of the judiciary to the bench, the Supreme Court has recommended the elevation&nbsp;of senior advocate Saurabh Kirpal as a judge of the Delhi High Court.
His name was first recommended by Delhi HC in 2017 but the SC collegium&nbsp;had deferred the decision thrice. The Centre too had objected to his appointment. According to a report by Print, the Centre told Chief Justice NV Ramana in April this year that they have apprehensions over Kirpal&rsquo;s appointment as his partner is a foreign national.
If appointed, Kirpal would be India&rsquo;s first openly gay judge.

The Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily on the Delhi government over the issue of rising pollution in the Capital.
The court slammed the Arvind Kejriwal government for coming up with "lame excuses" and "passing the buck" on the pollution emergency.
The court warned the Delhi government that if it continued with its "lame excuses:, it will be forced to hold an audit of the govt revenue earnings and the "amount it is spending on popularity slogans".
The Delhi government on Monday submitted an affidavit in the top court listing steps it is taking to control pollution. Unhappy with the government response, the Supreme Court said that Delhi govt affidavit is all about bashing farmers and how the entire cause is stubble burning.
"We have come to the conclusion that stubble burning is not the major cause of pollution and now it contributes to only 10% to Delhi's air pollution", the court noted.
The court said that major culprits of air pollution are transport, industries, vehicular traffic apart from stubble burning in some areas, and asked the Delhi government what steps it is taking to curb those.

Delhi Air Pollution: Supreme Court warns AAP govt over 'lame excuses & passing the buck'

"Lame excuses, passing the buck": Supreme Court warns Delhi govt on pollution. Here are the key quotes from the top court

"Lame excuses, passing the buck": Supreme Court warns Delhi govt on pollution

"Lame excuses, passing the buck": Supreme Court warns Delhi govt on pollution
SC warns Delhi govt of funds audit if it fails to act on pollution
SC: Delhi govt affidavit is all about farmer bashing, stubble burning
SC:&nbsp; Stubble burning is not the major cause of Delhi pollution
SC: Stubble burning&nbsp;contributes to only 10% to Delhi's air pollution
SC:&nbsp;Transport, industries, vehicular traffic main causes of pollution
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Air Pollution: SC warned the Delhi government that it will be forced to hold an audit of the revenue earnings and the "amount it is spending on popularity slogans"

The Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily on the Delhi government over the issue of rising pollution in the Capital.
The court slammed the Arvind Kejriwal government for coming up with "lame excuses" and "passing the buck" on the pollution emergency.
The court warned the Delhi government that if it continued with its "lame excuses:, it will be forced to hold an audit of the govt revenue earnings and the "amount it is spending on popularity slogans".
The Delhi government on Monday submitted an affidavit in the top court listing steps it is taking to control pollution. Unhappy with the government response, the Supreme Court said that Delhi govt affidavit is all about bashing farmers and how the entire cause is stubble burning.
"We have come to the conclusion that stubble burning is not the major cause of pollution and now it contributes to only 10% to Delhi's air pollution", the court noted.
The court said that major culprits of air pollution are transport, industries, vehicular traffic apart from stubble burning in some areas, and asked the Delhi government what steps it is taking to curb those.

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Centre to call an emergency meeting on Tuesday to take measures like stopping non-essential construction transport, power plants and implementing work from home.
A bench, headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana, directed the concerned secretaries of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab and Delhi to attend the meeting to make their submissions before the committee formed by it.
In a significant disclosure, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that farm waste burning was found to be accounting for just 10 per cent of the emissions on average through the year.
"So far, as stubble burning is concerned, broadly affidavits state that their contribution is not so much except for two months. However, at present a good amount of stubble burning is taking place in Haryana and Punjab," the bench also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and Surya Kant said.
"The affidavit filed by respondents and after hearing we come to the conclusion the major culprits of pollution are construction activity, industry, tansport, power and vehicular traffic apart from stubble burning in some parts. Even though some decisions were taken by the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act has not indicated precisely what steps they are going to take to control factors that are causing air pollution.
The top court also asked the state governments of Punjab and Haryana to convince the farmers for two weeks not to do stubble burning.
"We direct the government of India, NCR states to examine introducing work from home for employees," the bench said. 

Delhi-NCR Air Pollution: SC directs Centre to hold emergency meeting, consider Work From Home 

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to call an emergency meeting on pollution to take steps like stopping non-essential construction transport, power plants and implementing work from home

SC directs Centre to hold emergency pollution meeting, consider WFH

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Centre to call an emergency meeting on Tuesday to take measures like stopping non-essential construction transport, power plants and implementing work from home.
A bench, headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana, directed the concerned secretaries of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab and Delhi to attend the meeting to make their submissions before the committee formed by it.
In a significant disclosure, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that farm waste burning was found to be accounting for just 10 per cent of the emissions on average through the year.
The top court also asked the state governments of Punjab and Haryana to convince the farmers for two weeks not to do stubble burning.
"We direct the government of India, NCR states to examine introducing work from home for employees," the bench said.

Air Pollution:&nbsp;The SC has directed the concerned secretaries of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab and Delhi to attend the meeting

The <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/pollution-delhi-govt-tells-sc-it-is-ready-to-impose-lockdown-1636954474423">Supreme Court</a> on Monday directed the Centre to call an emergency meeting on Tuesday to take measures like stopping non-essential construction transport, power plants and implementing work from home.
A bench, headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana, directed the concerned secretaries of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab and Delhi to attend the meeting to make their submissions before the committee formed by it.
In a significant disclosure, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that farm waste burning was found to be accounting for just 10 per cent of the emissions on average through the year.
"So far, as stubble burning is concerned, broadly affidavits state that their contribution is not so much except for two months. However, at present a good amount of stubble burning is taking place in Haryana and Punjab," the bench also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and Surya Kant said.
"The affidavit filed by respondents and after hearing we come to the conclusion the major culprits of pollution are construction activity, industry, tansport, power and vehicular traffic apart from stubble burning in some parts. Even though some decisions were taken by the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act has not indicated precisely what steps they are going to take to control factors that are causing air pollution.
The top court also asked the state governments of Punjab and Haryana to convince the farmers for two weeks not to do stubble burning.
"We direct the government of India, NCR states to examine introducing work from home for employees," the bench said.
ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/local/pollution-first-severe-smog-spell-of-season-in-delhi-could-be-longest-in-4-yrs-1636597265106">Pollution: First severe smog spell of season in Delhi, could be longest in 4 yrs</a>

Threatened with contempt action against the Indian Army and its Chief Manoj Mukund Naravane by the Supreme Court over non-compliance of its earlier orders, the defence force agreed on Friday to grant Permanent Commission (PC) to all of its eligible women officers.
&ldquo;We are holding Army guilty of contempt of court. We are putting you on guard. Since you have not complied with our orders you will have to face the consequences. The Army may be supreme in its own authority but this Constitution court is also supreme in its own jurisdiction,&rdquo; the apex court said.
The Army had initially said that out of the 36 Women Short Service Commission Officers (WSSCO) in the force, who have filed the contempt petition, it has granted PC to 22 officers while 14 were not considered fit including three on medical ground.
After the top court's warning, the Army informed a bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud and A S Bopanna that it will grant PC to all the eligible women officers.
The bench asked Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain and senior advocate R Balasubramanian, appearing for the Army, whether the 11 officers who were left out (except for three on medical ground) had met the 60 percent marks criteria and whether they have disciplinary and vigilance clearance or not as per the courts criteria laid on March 25, this year.
Jain said the 11 officers have got over 60 percent marks and they had all the disciplinary and vigilance clearances but they had adverse remarks and their statutory and non-statutory complaints are pending.
&ldquo;If they have met all the criteria set out in our judgement then why have you not granted them the PC? We have said in our earlier orders that out of 72 WSSCO officers, who have approached the court or not, shall be granted the PC subject to the meeting of the criteria,&rdquo; the bench said.
The bench then started dictating the order but was interrupted by Jain that they have just received instruction that the Army is willing to grant the PC to 11 officers who are before the court.
The counsels for army officers who have been denied the PC objected to the statement and said that even those officers who have not filed the contempt petition against the Army and Naravane should be considered.
Jain said that these are contempt petitions and only such officers will be considered who are before the court.
Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for some officers, said that it is humiliation of the Army officers whose achievements have been lauded by the top court in its verdict and the Army's taking a technical ground to deny the PC does not suit it.
Jain urged the bench that since he and Balasubramanian need to seek instruction from the concerned authorities, the court may give them some time till 2 PM and till then it should not dictate the order.
The bench agreed to the request and allowed Jain and Balasubramanian to seek instructions.
In the post-lunch session Jain said that they have got instructions that Army is willing to grant the permanent commission to all the WSSCOs irrespective of the fact that they are before the court or not but meeting the criteria set out by the court in its March 25 order.
Jain said, &ldquo;Army authorities think that this matter be put at rest today itself and they do not want any more litigation in this regard&rdquo;.
The bench asked the Army to issue orders for grant of Permanent Commission to 11 officers who are before the court within 10 days and those who are not before the court within three weeks.
It said that all the individual cases will be dealt with in accordance with law and did not proceed with initiating the contempt action against the Indian Army and it&rsquo;s Chief. The bench appreciated the stand taken by the Army and its lawyers.
With the direction of the top court, 68 out of the total 71 WSSCOs who were earlier denied permanent commission will be granted the permanent commission. Initially there were 72 officers who were denied the PC but later one officer had opted to quit. Three officers have been found medically unfit.
Jain said that while considering the case of remaining officers the Army will approach the issue with &ldquo;open mind and heart&rdquo; and would deal with cases of all the officers.
On October 8, the top court had directed the Centre to issue orders granting PC to 39 such officers in seven working days and furnish the details of 25 officers with reasons, who were not considered.
On October 1, the top court had restrained the Army from discharging the 72 WSSCOs, who were not considered for PC, till further orders and had sought a reply within a week on why they were not considered for the service.
The women officers have alleged that the top court's March 25 ruling was not considered by the Army and all 72 of them were rejected from consideration for the PC at one go.
In its March 25 verdict, the Army was directed by the top court to consider granting PC to the WSSCOs subject to their obtaining 60 per cent marks in the assessment subjects, being found fit on medical criteria as per the August 1, 2020 order of the Army and having received disciplinary and vigilance clearances.
On February 17 last year, in a landmark verdict, the top court had directed that women officers in the Army be granted a permanent commission, rejecting the Centre's stand of their physiological limitations as being based on "sex stereotypes" and "gender discrimination against women".
The apex court had directed that within three months, all serving SSC women officers have to be considered for PCs irrespective of them having crossed 14 years or, as the case may be, 20 years of service.&nbsp;

After SC warning, Army agrees to grant Permanent Commission to women officers

Threatened with contempt action against the Indian Army and its Chief Manoj Mukund Naravane by the Supreme Court over non-compliance of its earlier orders, the defence force agreed on Friday to grant Permanent Commission to all of its eligible women officers.
The Supreme Court said that the Army may be supreme in its own authority but this Constitution court is also supreme in its own jurisdiction.
The Army had initially said that out of the 36 Women Short Service Commission Officers in the force, who have filed the contempt petition, it has granted PC to 22 officers while 14 were not considered fit including three on medical ground.
After the top court's warning, the Army informed a bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud and A S Bopanna that it will grant PC to all the eligible women officers.

The Supreme Court said that the Army may be supreme in its own authority but this Constitution court is also supreme in its own jurisdiction.

Threatened with contempt action against the Indian Army and its Chief <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/jammu-drone-attack-easy-availability-of-drones-has-increased-the-complexity-says-army-chief-naravane-1625142762394">Manoj Mukund Naravane</a> by the Supreme Court over non-compliance of its earlier orders, the defence force agreed on Friday to grant Permanent Commission (PC) to all of its eligible women officers.
&ldquo;We are holding Army guilty of contempt of court. We are putting you on guard. Since you have not complied with our orders you will have to face the consequences. The Army may be supreme in its own authority but this Constitution court is also supreme in its own jurisdiction,&rdquo; the apex court said.
The Army had initially said that out of the 36 Women Short Service Commission Officers (WSSCO) in the force, who have filed the contempt petition, it has granted PC to 22 officers while 14 were not considered fit including three on medical ground.
After the top court's warning, the Army informed a bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud and A S Bopanna that it will grant PC to all the eligible women officers.
The bench asked Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain and senior advocate R Balasubramanian, appearing for the Army, whether the 11 officers who were left out (except for three on medical ground) had met the 60 percent marks criteria and whether they have disciplinary and vigilance clearance or not as per the courts criteria laid on March 25, this year.
Jain said the 11 officers have got over 60 percent marks and they had all the disciplinary and vigilance clearances but they had adverse remarks and their statutory and non-statutory complaints are pending.
&ldquo;If they have met all the criteria set out in our judgement then why have you not granted them the PC? We have said in our earlier orders that out of 72 WSSCO officers, who have approached the court or not, shall be granted the PC subject to the meeting of the criteria,&rdquo; the bench said.
The bench then started dictating the order but was interrupted by Jain that they have just received instruction that the Army is willing to grant the PC to 11 officers who are before the court.
The counsels for army officers who have been denied the PC objected to the statement and said that even those officers who have not filed the contempt petition against the Army and Naravane should be considered.
Jain said that these are contempt petitions and only such officers will be considered who are before the court.
Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for some officers, said that it is humiliation of the Army officers whose achievements have been lauded by the top court in its verdict and the Army's taking a technical ground to deny the PC does not suit it.
Jain urged the bench that since he and Balasubramanian need to seek instruction from the concerned authorities, the court may give them some time till 2 PM and till then it should not dictate the order.
The bench agreed to the request and allowed Jain and Balasubramanian to seek instructions.
In the post-lunch session Jain said that they have got instructions that Army is willing to grant the permanent commission to all the WSSCOs irrespective of the fact that they are before the court or not but meeting the criteria set out by the court in its March 25 order.
Jain said, &ldquo;Army authorities think that this matter be put at rest today itself and they do not want any more litigation in this regard&rdquo;.
The bench asked the Army to issue orders for grant of Permanent Commission to 11 officers who are before the court within 10 days and those who are not before the court within three weeks.
It said that all the individual cases will be dealt with in accordance with law and did not proceed with initiating the contempt action against the Indian Army and it&rsquo;s Chief. The bench appreciated the stand taken by the Army and its lawyers.
With the direction of the top court, 68 out of the total 71 WSSCOs who were earlier denied permanent commission will be granted the permanent commission. Initially there were 72 officers who were denied the PC but later one officer had opted to quit. Three officers have been found medically unfit.
Jain said that while considering the case of remaining officers the Army will approach the issue with &ldquo;open mind and heart&rdquo; and would deal with cases of all the officers.
On October 8, the top court had directed the Centre to issue orders granting PC to 39 such officers in seven working days and furnish the details of 25 officers with reasons, who were not considered.
On October 1, the top court had restrained the Army from discharging the 72 WSSCOs, who were not considered for PC, till further orders and had sought a reply within a week on why they were not considered for the service.
The women officers have alleged that the top court's March 25 ruling was not considered by the Army and all 72 of them were rejected from consideration for the PC at one go.
In its March 25 verdict, the Army was directed by the top court to consider granting PC to the WSSCOs subject to their obtaining 60 per cent marks in the assessment subjects, being found fit on medical criteria as per the August 1, 2020 order of the Army and having received disciplinary and vigilance clearances.
On February 17 last year, in a landmark verdict, the top court had directed that women officers in the Army be granted a permanent commission, rejecting the Centre's stand of their physiological limitations as being based on "sex stereotypes" and "gender discrimination against women".
The apex court had directed that within three months, all serving SSC women officers have to be considered for PCs irrespective of them having crossed 14 years or, as the case may be, 20 years of service.&nbsp;
ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/army-chief-naravane-not-a-single-shot-fired-along-loc-since-truce-with-pak-1616670802227">Army chief Naravane: not a single shot fired along LoC since truce with Pak</a>

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